How Does Healthy Hydration Support Kidney Function?

The kidneys perform several essential functions that help maintain the body's internal balance. They filter waste products from the blood, regulate fluid levels, and maintain essential minerals. Proper hydration and healthy lifestyle choices play an important role in supporting these functions.

Along with adequate water intake, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and routine health monitoring can contribute to overall kidney wellness. Understanding these everyday practices can help support informed decisions about kidney care. 

How Do the Kidneys Work?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, below the rib cage. They continuously filter the blood and help maintain the body's internal balance (1).

Their main functions include:

• Removing waste products from the bloodstream.

• Regulating water and electrolyte levels.

• Helping control blood pressure.

• Producing erythropoietin, a hormone that helps regulate red blood cell production. 

• Maintaining the body's mineral balance.

These functions make kidney health an important part of overall well-being.

How Does Proper Hydration Support Kidney Function?

Water supports several processes involved in normal kidney function. It helps maintain blood volume and allows the kidneys to produce urine, through which waste products leave the body.

Here are four important ways adequate hydration contributes to kidney wellness.

Helps Remove Waste Through Urine

The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and transfer them into urine. Adequate fluid intake supports normal urine production and this natural elimination process.

Maintains Fluid Balance

The kidneys regulate how much water the body retains and how much it removes. Proper hydration contributes to maintaining this balance.

Helps Maintain Healthy Blood Volume 

Water contributes to maintaining blood volume, which supports circulation throughout the body, including the kidneys. 

May Help Reduce the Risk of Certain Kidney Stones

Adequate fluid intake dilutes urine and may reduce the concentration of substances that contribute to certain types of kidney stones (2).

What Are the Common Signs of Inadequate Hydration?

When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, dehydration can occur.

Common signs include:

• Increased thirst.

• Dark yellow urine.

• Dry mouth.

• Headaches.

• Tiredness or weakness.

• Reduced urination.

These signs can have other causes as well. Persistent symptoms or concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?

Daily fluid requirements vary depending on individual health, activity levels, climate and other factors. 

Factors that influence water needs include:

• Age and body size.

• Physical activity.

• Weather and temperature.

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Overall health.

• Fluid loss through sweating, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Plain water is a suitable everyday hydration choice for most people. Other beverages and water-rich foods can also contribute to fluid intake.

However, drinking excessive amounts of water does not automatically improve kidney function. People with advanced kidney disease, kidney failure, or certain heart conditions may require fluid restrictions based on medical advice.

Seven Daily Habits That Support Kidney Health

Hydration is one part of kidney care. Other everyday practices can also contribute to maintaining overall health.

1. Follow a Balanced Diet

Include a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and suitable protein sources. People with kidney conditions may require individual dietary guidance.

2. Limit Excessive Salt Intake

High sodium consumption can contribute to increased blood pressure, which is a risk factor for kidney problems. Reduce excessive salt and limit highly processed foods.

3. Stay Physically Active

Walking, cycling and other suitable exercises support cardiovascular health and help maintain healthy blood pressure.

4. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar over time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. People with diabetes should follow appropriate monitoring and management advice.

5. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

Regular blood pressure monitoring can help identify potential concerns early. Follow medical recommendations if your blood pressure is elevated.

6. Use Medicines Responsibly

Certain pain relievers, including NSAIDs, may affect kidney health when used inappropriately or for prolonged periods. Follow professional guidance when taking medicines.

7. Schedule Regular Health Checkups

Blood and urine tests can help assess kidney health. Regular monitoring is particularly important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors.

Which Ayurvedic Herbs Are Traditionally Used for Kidney Wellness?

Ayurveda includes several botanicals that have traditionally been used in formulations associated with urinary and general wellness.

Six such ingredients include:

Punarnava

Punarnava is a traditional Ayurvedic herb associated with urinary and fluid-balance wellness.

Gokhru

Also known as Gokshura, Gokhru has a history of traditional use in Ayurvedic preparations for urinary wellness.

Varuna

Varuna is traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations associated with urinary health.

Marshmallow Root

Marshmallow Root is used in traditional herbal preparations and is commonly associated with soothing wellness applications.

Pashanbhed

Pashanbhed has a history of traditional use in Ayurvedic preparations related to urinary wellness.

Palash

Palash is a traditional botanical used in various Ayurvedic formulations.

These botanicals have been traditionally included in Ayurvedic formulations associated with urinary wellness. However, traditional use does not establish that they improve kidney function or treat kidney conditions. Scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness as a combination for kidney wellness is limited, and their suitability may vary depending on individual health circumstances.

For those interested in traditional herbal formulations, Life Aveda Kidney Restore brings together all six botanicals: Punarnava, Gokhru, Varuna, Marshmallow Root, Pashanbhed and Palash in an extract-based herbal capsule.

Herbal supplements should not replace prescribed medicines or medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use, particularly if you have an existing kidney condition or take regular medication.

Conclusion

Proper hydration, balanced nutrition and healthy daily habits are important aspects of kidney care. Drinking enough water, managing salt intake and staying physically active can contribute to overall wellness. At Life Aveda, a holistic approach to wellness also emphasises mindful lifestyle choices and balanced daily habits. 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. People with kidney conditions or fluid restrictions should follow their healthcare professional's recommendations.

Reference

1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019, April 4). Kidney disease | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease

2. Gamage, K. N., Jamnadass, E., Sulaiman, S. K., Pietropaolo, A., Aboumarzouk, O., & Somani, B. K. (2020). The role of fluid intake in the prevention of kidney stone disease: A systematic review over the last two decades. Türk Üroloji Dergisi/Turkish Journal of Urology, 46(1). https://doi.org/10.5152/tud.2020.20155

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does drinking enough water support kidney function?

Yes. Adequate hydration supports normal urine production and helps the kidneys remove waste products through urine.

Can drinking more water improve kidney function?

Not necessarily. Drinking more water than the body needs does not automatically improve kidney function. Some people may also require fluid restrictions.

What is a suitable drink for everyday hydration?

Plain water is a suitable everyday choice for most people. Individual fluid requirements may vary depending on health and activity levels.

Which lifestyle habits are important for kidney care?

A balanced diet, moderate salt intake, regular physical activity, blood pressure management and routine health checkups are important parts of kidney care.

Which Ayurvedic herbs are traditionally associated with urinary wellness? 

Punarnava, Gokhru, Varuna and Pashanbhed are among the herbs traditionally used in Ayurvedic preparations associated with urinary wellness. However, their effectiveness and safety for individual health conditions require further evaluation.